Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 26. 2024Tea on the Orient Express Hakone by Olivia
Orient Express, a mythical train and symbol of luxury travel, has always been my secret dream. An avid fan of Lady Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (sorry, Miss Marple!), I even got scolded by my mother after watching almost all versions of “The Murder on the Orient Express” movies in a row. Even now I feel the need to explain that I was mostly entranced by the idea and entourage of traveling across the world in the most glamorous train ever!
The original Orient Express wagon, decorated by the French glass designer Rene´ Lalique, can be found on the territory of Lalique Museum in Hakone, Japan. Unfortunately, online or advance reservations are not possible, and the only option is to make a reservation on-site on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
When we visited, the desert was blancmange with osmanthus sauce and fruits. As for me, it did not go very well with tea and I ate it first, without a drink. Deserts on the Orient Express Hakone vary depending on the year or season. The teapot was huge, you can even call it a pitcher. You will spend all your time sipping tea of your choice (there are 4 different tea blends) and soaking in the atmosphere, looking at glass panels and flower-shaped lamps designed by Lalique in 1928. By the way, he was 68 years old at that time.
Outside, the train makes a splendid background for an old-fashioned photo.
If you think about the price of tea and sweets, it is quite expensive (2,200 yen). Still, if you consider the overall experience, if you are a fan of Agatha Christie, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, or just good old retro, you will be very satisfied.
Coupled with a visit to the Lalique museum and enjoying his favourite flowers in the gardens, I would say that the best season for this endeavor is from the middle of spring to early summer.
神話の列車であり、豪華旅行の象徴であるオリエント急行は、私の密かな憧れだった。アガサ・クリスティーのエルキュール・ポワロ（ミス・マープル、ごめんなさい！）の熱烈なファンだった私は、「オリエント急行殺人事件」のほとんどすべてのバージョンを立て続けに観て、母に叱られたほどだ。今でも説明する必要があると感じるが、私は史上最も華やかな列車で世界を横断するというアイデアと側近に魅了されていたのだ！
フランスのガラスデザイナー、ルネ・ラリックによって装飾されたオリエント急行のオリジナル貨車は、箱根にあるラリック美術館の敷地内で見ることができる。残念ながらオンライン予約や事前予約はできず、当日現地で先着順に予約するしかない。
私たちが訪れたときのデザートは、金木犀ソースとフルーツのブランマンジェだった。 私としては紅茶にはあまり合わず、飲み物なしで先に食べた。オリエント急行箱根のデザートは、その年や季節によって異なる。ティーポットはピッチャーと言ってもいいくらい巨大だった。1928年にラリックがデザインしたガラスパネルや花の形をしたランプを眺めながら、好きな紅茶（4種類のブレンドがある）を飲みながら、雰囲気に浸って過ごす。ちなみに当時、ラリックは68歳だった。
外に出れば、列車が古風な写真を撮る見事な背景になる。
お茶とお菓子の値段を考えれば、かなり高い（2200円）。それでも、アガサ・クリスティやアール・ヌーヴォー、アール・デコが好きな人、あるいは古き良きレトロが好きな人なら、総合的に考えれば大満足だろう。
ラリック美術館を訪れ、庭園でアガサ・クリスティーの好きな花々を楽しむことを考えれば、ベストシーズンは春の半ばから初夏にかけてだろう。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: JUNE 14. 2019The Kamakura Museum of Literature: The City’s Hidden Gem! by Emanuela Podda Ankrom
If you are planning to visit the city of Kamakura, do not miss The Kamakura Museum of Literature or Kamakura Bungakukan. When we think about Kamakura, a coastal city in the Kanagawa prefecture located about an hour south of Tokyo, we imagine some of the city’s most famous attractions such as the Daibutsu or Great Buddha (a large bronze statue of the Buddha at the K?toku-in Temple), the temples, the shrines, and Enoshima island with its sandy beaches. However, this ancient city has so much more to offer. In fact, one day after visiting a shrine, I decided to follow the directions to The Kamakura Museum of Literature, a small museum tucked away in the back streets of Hase.
The Western-style villa with a blue roof and a 6,500 square foot rose garden that belonged to the Marquis of the Maeda clan, was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1985 (Showa 60). The Maeda family donated the building to the city of Kamakura in 1983.The museum opened to the public in November 1985 and contains materials about writers who have lived, died or were active in the city of Kamakura. It currently displays personal effects, manuscripts, first editions, and documents owned by over a hundred writers of Japanese literature, including Soseki Natsume and Kawabata Yasunari, as well as film director Yasujiro Ozu. The villa has appeared in a scene from “Spring Snow,” a novel by Yukio Mishima.
It is definitely a pleasant surprise for those who love literature, enjoy the architecture, or would like to know more about the city’s history. After visiting the beautiful rose garden, my friends and I signed the museum’s guestbook, visited the building, and picked up some pamphlets about the museum, its writers (including the Japanese poet, translator and essayist Ryuichi Tamura), the Kamakura City Kaburaki Kiyokata Memorial Art Museum, and Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
If your travel plans include a visit to Kamakura and would like to see this hidden gem, it is located at 1-5-3 Hase, an 8-minute walk from Enoden’s Yuigahama Station and a 5-minute walk from Kaigan-dori bus stop. Its opening hours are: 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Please visit the museum’s official website for more information: http://www.kamakurabungaku.com/index.html
鎌倉に行く機会があれば、鎌倉文学館にぜひ立寄ってください。鎌倉と言えば、東京から南に１時間下った神奈川県の海岸沿いの都市で、大仏、寺、神社、江ノ島や砂浜のイメージがあるが、連綿と続く歴史あるこの都市には他にも鑑賞すべきものがたくさんある。実は、先日神社にお参りにいった帰り道、私は長谷の裏通りにひっそりたたずむ小さな鎌倉文学館へと歩を進めた。
６５００平米のバラ園を有す青い屋根の洋館は、１９３６年に前田侯爵によって建てられ、１９８５年に内部が改装された。１９８３年、洋館が前田家から鎌倉市に寄贈された後、１９８５年（昭和60年）１１月に鎌倉ゆかりの文学者に関する展示を行なう鎌倉文学館として開館した。夏目漱石や川端康成、映画監督の小津安二郎を含む１００名以上の鎌倉ゆかりの文学者が所持していた身の回りの品、原稿、初版や書類が展示されている。洋館はまるで、三島由紀夫の『春の雪』の舞台のようだ。
文学を愛し、洋館を好きな人なら、鎌倉市の歴史をもっと知りたいと思っている人なら、きっとお気に召すだろう。バラ園を散策した後、友人と私は、館のゲストブックにサインし、洋館を見学し、パンフレットをもらった。鎌倉文学館関連のものや、文学者（日本の詩人、随筆家、翻訳家である田村 隆一を含む）、鏑木清方記念美術館や徳川家康のものだった。
鎌倉文学館は、
神奈川県鎌倉市長谷1-5-3。
JR・小田急藤沢駅で江ノ電に乗換、「由比ヶ浜駅」下車、徒歩7分。
開館時間：9:00〜16:30
詳しくは、HPで検索してください。
Unfinished business
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 17. 2019Farewell to a Japan Jazz Icon by David Gregory
The messages from all over Japan read aloud during the service helped us realize how widely Koyama-san touched lives and how many like us were feeling something newly missing from our worlds. But, although wonderful and sometimes saddening us, they did not trigger crying. That happened next.
Those first few notes of the "'Round About Midnight" Miles Davis version, the cut Koyama-san always used to open Jazz Tonight, performed by a live piano and trumpet duo up front near the coffin, did it: Instant recognition, recollections, sighs around the room, eyes closed, arms crossed, heads dropped back or down, and tears, at least for me. How many times had we heard, after Miles breathed his somber opening, Koyama-san's low, raspy voice welcoming us into the studio with, "Minna-san, gokigen ikaga desho-ka everybody, how are you feeling?"?and never thought that someday we would hear him ask about us no more?
Koyama-san's widow, whom, like him, had never known me, stood alone at the coffin head and bowed in silence to everyone in turn after they placed flowers around his body as the duo continued with another slow number, the trumpet sounding so strong and crisp and unusual in a memorial service hall. After we placed our flowers, she responded to my hand on her shoulder, a touch just meant to console her, by immediately turning and reaching for me?a total stranger?burying her head in my chest, and breaking down. She needed that hug that everybody sometimes needs. She let go after her respite when she was ready to face the coffin and everyone else again, and returned to her position. Going to Kashiwa in a snowstorm was worth it just for those few moments when I could do something for her.
So our Kashiwa day was both sad and good. But, why did I even want to go a funeral for a man whom I only knew by voice, and who, although linked to jazz, was not even a musician?
Koyama-san and his Jazz Tonight program I listened to since at least the early 2000s. For more than sixteen years, while my life in Japan has been filled with huge uncertainties, he has been here Saturday nights on the radio, reliable, keeping me connected to the world's music and opening my ears to music from Japan I would not know without him. Listening to him always made me feel good, no matter what had happened in my life during the week or what was coming up in the weeks ahead. Koyama-san and Jazz Tonight were my respite. How well can I replace that comfort?
Koyama-san, thank you for helping this foreigner feel good in Japan. Please rest well in jazz heaven.
NHK Radio, thank you for giving Koyama-san a way to connect with us. Please encourage other DJs to continue doing what he did so well.
To Koyama-san's surviving family members: Please care well for yourselves now, and thank you for supporting and sharing Kiyoshi with us.
The Smallest Box by David Gregory
She came over to my table and asked if I remembered her.
“That’s my boyfriend over there.”
Their table hugged a pillar blocking the sunny Tokyo Bay view enjoyed by the other customers that afternoon in Chiba’s AquaRink ice skating facility café.
“Maybe we will marry next year.”
On my way out, I stopped to congratulate the potential groom to be. What I later heard happened with Hiromi and Hiroshi that night at another place also close to the bay sounded so too good to be true that I visited that place to confirm it really happened. It did.
Hiroshi had reserved for the course menu that night at OCEAN TABLE, next to Chiba Port, on the second floor, where tables sat by the huge windows facing Chiba Port Tower and Tokyo Bay. No view-blocking pillars there. And they had a wait, even with their reservation, because it was Christmas Eve, which in Japan matters much more than the following day; the Eve is the year’s couples’ night out, and single women without dates that night can feel their whole year was wasted.
Hiroshi had changed into a suit after skating, and had urged Hiromi, against her protests about overdressing, into a plaid one-piece, raising expectations. They had never come to a place this nice, one requiring reservations. Saizeriya was more their speed: fast faux-Italian, cheap, and everywhere.
The unexpected wait made Hiroshi antsy. He relaxed and all was perfect after they were seated.
They talked. They ate the Christmas Dinner courses. They ignored the soft Christmas background music. They admired the gleaming, golden Christmas Tree rising from the first-floor buffet area through the open center space across from their table. They could see outside the sparkling flashes and half the tree in Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination, and beyond, the lights from the ships on and facilities around Tokyo Bay, appearing almost twinkling. Perfect—but not for Hiromi.
She went to the toilet. Still he had not asked. The day was done. The reservation system only allowed them two hours there. They had been together all day. He had remembered her birthday-just by coincidence, also that day-with a necklace at AquaRink. Nice, but was that all? He had pestered her since early December about what Christmas present she wanted until she had finally exploded with, “Nothing! Don’t you know I just want a proposal?!” And had added she wanted it to be a surprise. Here he had the perfect chance, and he was wasting it.
She could try enjoying what was left of the evening. Dessert was next. At least here was better than Saizeriya….She was still stuck when she returned to the table, and had no chance to do or say anything, anyway. It was his toilet turn.
Their desserts came. Hiromi sat and waited and pondered the future. Outside, the tower stood alone against the dark sky and Tokyo Bay’s inky darkness.
Their desserts waited. Maybe his tooth was bothering him again. Maybe he was just tolerating it to make the night go well. Maybe for her. Maybe she should go to check on him. Wait-maybe she just heard his voice across the room.
No, only Santa Claus, posing for photographs with diners at the far table. He then started circling the room, giving a small present from his big sack at each table. She could check after he was done.
Hiroshi still had not returned to his seat when Santa reached their table. He handed Hiromi a big, red stocking, by far the room’s largest gift, accompanied by a squeaky, “Atari! You’re a lucky one!” Yeah. She set it aside and Santa moved on. What was he still doing in the toilet?
Santa finished his round, returned to Hiromi, and pointed at her unopened stocking with squeaky, “Un! Un!” grunts. The other diners had opened their presents. She forced a smile and said she was waiting for her boyfriend to return. “Un! Un!”
When Hiromi still resisted, Santa took the stocking in his white-gloved hands and opened it himself. Out first came a big, pink box, heart shaped. He opened that and pulled out another heart-shaped box, and then, from inside that, another heart-shaped box. Another smaller, heart-shaped box followed. He removed from that an even smaller heart-shaped box, and thrust it to Hiromi with one more squeaky, “Un!”
Still gone. Well, he’d miss it. Hiromi obeyed Santa this time and opened it, the smallest box in the room …and her mind and face went blank.
After that frozen moment passed, Hiromi looked at Santa. The second shock hit, and more followed. Santa Claus had ripped off his gloves, furry hat, sunglasses, and huge, flowing beard. He took the box from her?she was still speechless?dropped onto one knee, held the open box out and up to her in both stretching hands, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, “Hiromi-san, boku-to kekkon shite kudasai! Hiromi, please marry me!”
Outside, to anybody looking, Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination still flashed, and the lights on and around Tokyo Bay still appeared almost twinkling. Inside OCEAN TABLE, on the second floor, everything was happening so fast that Hiromi just did not know which was more difficult to believe: Hiroshi and the ring he first tried slipping onto the finger on her right hand, the one he had taken in his before she held out her left hand, or the following PAN! and PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! and PAN! PAN! and PAN! explosions ripping and ribbons shooting around the room as diners at the floor’s other tables popped the party crackers they had found with the notes in their presents from Santa Claus.
Copyright © 2018 David L. Gregory All rights reserved.
I Did It! by David Gregory
She had been here before. But, those were tour-guided or hand-held visits. After living most of her life in white-bread suburban USA, driving everywhere, shopping in giant malls and supermarkets, and needing only one currency and one language, my mother ventured out on her own, within and beyond Chiba, during one trip to Japan. From her notes, here are Dorothy's...
ADVENTURES IN JAPAN
Grocery Shopping in Neighborhood―Walk five blocks...buy only one bag...walk five blocks back. Survived it!
Shopping in City Center―Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus fifteen minutes. Arrive at stores. Walk around. Look. Decide: cookies.
Buying: “Ikura desu-ka how much?” Hmm. “Kakimasu kudasai write please.”
Paying options: give large bill, let clerk figure change, or open change purse, let clerk take out correct amount. Decide to just give some cash.
Clerk shakes her head (“NO! MORE!”), then counts out correct amount needed from register and shows me. I mimic her action from my change purse. Smiles! Deep bows with many, “Arigato gozaimasu thank you very much!”-es.
(My error: thought there was decimal point in Yen price....)
Open cookies, expecting pirouettes with chocolate centers. Instead, peanut butter waffle rolls, no chocolate. No wonder, now I see peanut sketch on package. “Shoganai can’t be changed,” I did it to myself. It could have been worse!
~~~
Travelling to Visit Friend’s Family on Other Side of Chiba―Walk ten blocks to train. Purchase ticket. Electronic lady on ticket machine screen says, “Arigato gozaimasu” and bows. Ride train twenty minutes, watching for correct stop, get off, walk seven blocks to house. I did it myself!
Visiting Hisae Overnight―My Japanese study partner in USA returned to Japan, now lives on other side of Tokyo Bay.
Take large purse and large tote bag with jacket, nightie, toothbrush, cosmetics. Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus to train station. Ride train eighty minutes to Yokohama. Find correct exit from station. EASY. Did not even look at note in pocket explaining route and Japanese signs. And, look! Hisae and three-year old Kei are waiting! “Hello!” they say! Many hugs!
I did it!
Then, still more travel: train together fifteen minutes, short taxi uphill to lovely apartment, sunny and bright.
Returning to Chiba, just reverse process. Next time, we can meet at a station halfway in between. I can do it.
I can do it!
Copyright (C) 2015 David Gregory. All rights reserved. Chiba, Japan
Book Review
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 11 2018Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami
by Rey Ventura Reviewed by Randy Swank video maker and scriptwriter Rey Ventura won the 2015 National Book Award for his third collection of essays, Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami, but for some strange twist of fate you will find very little information on this book. You can’t even buy it on Amazon. This is a shame because Cherry Blossoms... is a beautiful, insightful and thought-provoking book. |
Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami |
In "Miniskirts and Stilettos" we meet Ginto, a young lady who comes to Japan dreaming of making it big as a singer and entertainer but has to deal instead with a much darker reality; while "Mr. Suzuki Tries Again" and "Into the Snow Country" are tragicomic tales of arranged marriages where the dreams and expectations of bride-starved farmers from Japan's Deep North clash with those of young Filipino women who want to escape their poverty and go into marriage "as a girl goes into a convent." Ventura tells these stories with a great eye for detail and manages to find a ray of light even in the darkest corners, or poetry in the midst of a nuclear disaster. The book's first essay is called "The Slow Boat to Manila" and indeed, slowness is the first word that comes to mind when considering Ventura's approach to writing. Everything Ventura does is slow. He is no magazine reporter after all, and will spend days or even months getting to know a person he wants to write about. That's the kind of personal commitment and deep connection with his subject that one feels when reading his essays. |
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 26, 2024
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Bon Odori (Bon Dance) Festival
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple has been a heart of the local people since the Edo period, representing Tsukiji. The
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Bon (Odori) Dance Festival, held for four days in the temple grounds, features many famous restaurants from the outside market, and most of them offer their specialties for a reasonable price. Hence the reason why it is called “the most delicious Bon Odori in Japan”. Anyone who visits here for Bon Odori will be thrilled by the solemn atmosphere of the main hall, the gorgeous and beautiful turrets, and the lively atmosphere of the festival. The excitement is unbounded even before the Bon Odori begins, with the heroic sounds of the taiko drums playing from the early hours of the day. In addition to the Bon-daiko of the Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Taiko Preservation Society, the members of the Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, who have been actively performing overseas as well, add a gorgeous, wildly exciting beat box sound that roars through the air throughout Tsukiji. Immerse yourself in this spectacular atmosphere and experience what makes this place so special!
Date：July 31st (Wed) & August 3rd (Sat) @ Tsukiji Honganji Temple
https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/news/9141/
2024 Sumida River Lantern Floating Ceremony
The Sumida River Lantern Floating Ceremony began as a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Air Raid at the Asakusa Restoration Festival held in 1946. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and at its peak, there were as many as 3,000 floaters on the Sumida River, beautifully illuminated by the moonlight, floating down the river surface with prayers for peace. In the spring of 1966, the riverbanks were constructed to prevent high tides, and the floatation of lanterns had to be regrettably discontinued after 1965. Now, with the Sumida River waterfront terrace in place, the Asakusa Tourist Federation has been able to revive the float for the first time in 40 years with the cooperation of the authorities concerned, in order to make the waterside space of the Sumida River a new sightseeing spot in Asakusa and a place of relaxation and activity for tourists.
Date：August 12th (Sat) @ Sumida River, Azumabashi Waterfront Terrace
https://e-asakusa.jp/en/culture-experience/10028
Have You Benn To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JUNE 26, 2024
Shirarahama Beach [Shirahama, Wakayama]
Shirarahama, with its 620-meter-long stretch of silky white sand and cobalt blue sea, is also called the Hawaii of Japan, and is just like a beach in another country. At Adventure World, a sightseeing spot near Nanki-Shirahama, visitors can see both land animals and sea creatures at the same time. There are also Shirahama hot springs, and some inns offer hot spring baths with a view of the beautiful sea.
Yakushima Island [Yakushima, Kagoshima]
Yakushima Island is registered as a World Heritage site. Trekking is a must-do experience in Yakushima. There are several trekking courses, but recommended trekking is in Yakusugi Land, where the average temperature is a cool 25°C in August. August is also the time when sea turtle hatchlings hatch, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see them heading out to sea.
Akiyoshido Cave [Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Yamaguchi]
Akiyoshid? Cave is a limestone cave located 100 meters underground in Akiyoshidai National Park in Mine City. Designated as a special natural monument, the cave is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, with a sightseeing course extending about 1km inside the cave. The temperature inside the cave is a constant 17°C throughout the year, making it a perfect sightseeing spot in August, in the middle of summer.
Yurigahama Beach [Yoron, Kagoshima]
Off the coast of Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, there is a fantastic beach, Yurigahama Beach, which appears only on limited occasions. The best time to see it is from spring to summer, and you can only see it for two hours. The special beach and the spectacular view surrounded by the beautiful ocean on all sides will be a memory you will never forget.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: FEBRUARY 26. 2016
Living in the Hot Spring paradise by Cherry
It has only been one year since I first came to study in Beppu city, Oita prefecture but I already felt attached to this place as if it was my own hometown, Vietnam.
The pleasant surroundings are one of the reasons I like here. I had taken a hiking to a long beautiful coastline across the city, and a city night view from Beppu Wan has become my favorite spot. Also, the hospitality especially from the elderly has made a deep impression on me. I still remember when I had trouble using a bus, one fine grandmother came to help me. Using my crappy Japanese I thanked and had a talk with her. She is living with her husband, whose son works in Tokyo. Despite the hustle life, he always manages to come back to see them. Listening to the story reminded me of my parents back home. Before getting off the bus, I was gifted a bag of Kabosu, Oita prefecture’s famous citrus fruit. How can I forget such a kind-hearted woman?
Back to my life in Beppu, can you imagine living in a place having the world’s renowned hot springs? From upon the Kannawa district to downtown area, Beppu provides us with series of hot springs where we can soothe our body and soul after hard days’ work. What is more, by joining the ‘Hell Tour’, you can visit the hot springs with different colors and enjoy hot spring eggs. The Beppu Hot Spring Festival in April is the biggest festival where there are parades, fireworks and most hot springs are free of charge. I believe not only international tourists but Japanese people will definitely enjoy Beppu’s hot springs during vacation.
Having been living here for one year, I am satisfied that I made a right choice to study in this wonderful country. I am sure not only me but any other international student would feel the same. Dear Tokyoites, why not taking a chance and visiting Beppu, the hot spring paradise?
学業のため大分県、別府市にやって来てまだ１年だが、早くも私の生まれ故郷、ベトナムと同じぐらい大切な場所となった。
素晴しい自然に囲まれた環境は、私がここを好きな理由のひとつに挙げられる。別府市の長くのびる海岸線をハイキングしたし、別府湾を望む夜の景色は私の大好きな場所となった。それに加え年配の人達はとても暖かく私に深い感動をあたえてくれる。バスに乗車する際、困った時の出来事は忘れられない。親切なおばあさんが助けてくれた。へたくそな日本語でお礼を述べた後、話をした。彼女はご主人と別府に住んでおり、息子が東京で働いている。忙しい東京生活にもかかわらず、両親に度々会いに来てくれる。彼女の話を聞いているうちに故郷の両親を思い浮かべた。バスを降りると、かぼすの入った袋をくれた。大分県の名物であるフルーツだ。こんな心優しい人を忘れることはないだろう。
別府での私の生活に戻ろう。世界でも有数の温泉地での生活がどんなものか想像できる？鉄輪（かんなわ）からダウンタウンにかけてたくさんの温泉が湧き出ており、忙しい一日を送った身体と精神を安らかにしてくれる。さらに、『地獄めぐり』ではさまざまな色の温泉が観光でき、温泉卵を食べることができる。４月には別府温泉祭があり、パレードや花火大会が開催され、ほとんどの温泉に無料で入泉できる。外国人観光客のみならず日本人でも別府の温泉をきっと気に入るはずだ。
ここに来て１年だが、この美しい環境で勉学ができる事に大変満足している。私だけでなく他に大勢いる海外からの学生達も同じ気持ちでいるだろう。どうぞ東京に住んでいる方も、温泉天国である別府に観光にいらしてください。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 12. 2024
Giant Dinosaurs 2024
Giant Dinosaurs 2024" is an international touring exhibition of a special exhibition held at the British Museum of Natural History in London, England. The Yokohama venue will be the first venue. The exhibition will unravel the history of the prosperity of dinosaurs, including theropods, the largest land animals in the history of the earth, and the evolution of gigantic creatures in an enjoyable way.
The main attraction of "Giant Dinosaurs 2024" is the 37-meter-long full-length skeleton of Patagotitan mayorum. It is one of the world's largest dinosaurs among the "theropods. In addition to the opportunity to see firsthand the out-of-this-world size of the dinosaur, there will also be a number of hands-on exhibits that will introduce the ecology of Patagotitan and other giant sauropods in detail. In addition, many specimens will be gathered from Japan. Under the supervision of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the Institute of Dinosaurology at Fukui Prefectural University, the exhibition will focus on Euhelopus and other giant "sauropods" and explore the mechanism of dinosaur gigantism and the history of dinosaurs.
Constantin BRANCUSI, Fish,
1924-26 (cast: 1992),
Polished bronze, Brancusi Estate
Specimens of dinosaurs other than "theropods" such as Tsintaosaurus and other non-dinosaur creatures are also on display. Through specimens of huge creatures, including extinct animals such as mammoths and ichthyosaurs, the exhibition traces how creatures became huge and why they needed to become so large. This is an exhibition that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including not only "dinosaur lovers" but also those who wish to ponder the history of prehistoric creatures. Also on display is a "dinosaur robot" that recreates a Barosaurus. The realistic, life-size dinosaur is a must-see.
Period: 7/13 (Sat) - 9/13 (Fri), 2024
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall A
Closed: Mondays
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 / - 19:00 on 8/10 (Sat) - 18 (Sun) (last admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: General ￥2,400 / High School and University ￥ 1,800 / Elementary School and Junior High School ￥1,200 / Ages 3 and Older ￥700 *Different prices depending on the day
For more information, please visit
Special Exhibition INSECT
Welcome to the world of diversity that extends just a little further than "everyone knows". Maniacal perspectives from researchers, maniacal insect specimens selected by researchers, and maniacal in-depth exploration of familiar insects! It will also weave in the latest research to pursue the diversity of insects in a deeper and more interesting way. Now, let's open the door to diversity!
Insects are the largest group of organisms, comprising about 1 million species, more than half of all the species reported on the earth. Most of them are small, less than 1 cm in length, but their diversity is astonishingly high and varied, from their body structure to their behavior and abilities. There are countless insects in the world that have yet to be discovered, and even in our immediate environment lie new species and discoveries for the future.
*
This special exhibition, "Special Exhibition INSECT" will mix the maniacal perspectives of researchers at the National Museum of Nature and Science, maniacal insect specimens from researchers' selections, and the latest insect research to explore the surprising and still unknown world of diversity of "insects," including not only familiar insects such as beetles and stag beetles but also spiders, centipedes, and other insects. The "MANIAC" researchers are also involved in the research of insects.
MANIAC" researchers' specialties
In addition to rare insects, this exhibition also highlights the lives of researchers who love insects.
"Passionate about what they love."
"When you are interested in something, you pursue it obsessively."
"I love what I love."
The original research attitude of these maniacal and insect-loving researchers is also a must-see. The exhibition will also offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the deep world of insect research, where researchers with unique personalities, such as those illustrated in the exhibition flyer, will appear one after another.
Period: 7/13（Sat）− 10/14, 2024（Mon）
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Closed: 7/16, 9/2, 9, 17, 24 & 30
Hours: 9:00-17:00 / -19:00 on Saturdays & 8/11-15 (last admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults & university students ￥2,100 / Students of Elementary /Junior High / High school ￥600 *Advance booking recommended.
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 26. 2024
Right Time to Shower
The discussion surrounding whether it's better to shower at night or in the morning has been ongoing for years. There are definitely pros and cons to each, and a lot of the time it comes down to personal preference. However, many people are just realising they may need to rethink their showering habits - as experts have confirmed the best time of day that you should be doing this. Leading mattress specialists have revealed that one of these showering habits can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria such as E.Coli - and it's a very popular choice as well. Showering at night ensures that you are clean when getting into bed. If you are waiting until the morning to shower, sweat builds up throughout the night, creating the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow. As if sleeping with 10 million dust mites wasn’t enough of a reason to change your shower habits, showering at night is also proven to improve sleep quality.
Getting Rid of Suncream Stains
If you have permanent sunscreen stains on a white shirt and nothing got the yellow stain out even after trying every ‘whitening’ stain remover you could find to no avail, try this. ‘Leave it out in the sun all day’ the stains will be gone! Huge blue ink stain on a white shirt? Then try this. 'Spray it with hair spray and then rinse it'. Will be all good. *Disclaimer: sometimes these trick may not work depending on products and shirt materials.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo
10 minutes to Ikebukuro.
Interhouse
safe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo.
Sakura House
1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo.
TOKYO ROOM FINDER
Contact our international team that will assist you in finding housing
and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan!
J&F Plaza
Furnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo.
May Flower House
Tokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more.
TenTen Guesthouse
33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students.
GOOD ROOM TOKYO
Share room, Private room, under 50,000yen
MOVE JAPAN
Private furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last!
Tokyomove.com
Hassle free moving starts from 6000yen.
Tokyo Helping Hands
Very flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more!
AirNet Travel
We'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere.
Fun Travel
Discount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn.
No.1 Travel
We go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels.
JR Tokai Tours
Top-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Matsuda Legal Office
All kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc.
Futaba Visa Office
Licensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant.
American Pharmacy
English speaking pharmacy since 1950.
Tokyo Skin Clinic
EU-licensed multi lingual doctors.
Tax-free AKKY
Japanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs
Tokyo Speed Dating
1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC.
Tokyo Spontaneous
Picnic, Parties, Language exchange
TMA
Japanese women & Western men.
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 26, 2024Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Bon Odori (Bon Dance) Festival
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple has been a heart of the local people since the Edo period, representing Tsukiji. The
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Bon (Odori) Dance Festival, held for four days in the temple grounds, features many famous restaurants from the outside market, and most of them offer their specialties for a reasonable price. Hence the reason why it is called “the most delicious Bon Odori in Japan”. Anyone who visits here for Bon Odori will be thrilled by the solemn atmosphere of the main hall, the gorgeous and beautiful turrets, and the lively atmosphere of the festival. The excitement is unbounded even before the Bon Odori begins, with the heroic sounds of the taiko drums playing from the early hours of the day. In addition to the Bon-daiko of the Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Taiko Preservation Society, the members of the Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, who have been actively performing overseas as well, add a gorgeous, wildly exciting beat box sound that roars through the air throughout Tsukiji. Immerse yourself in this spectacular atmosphere and experience what makes this place so special!
Date：July 31st (Wed) & August 3rd (Sat) @ Tsukiji Honganji Temple
https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/news/9141/
2024 Sumida River Lantern Floating Ceremony
The Sumida River Lantern Floating Ceremony began as a memorial service for those who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Air Raid at the Asakusa Restoration Festival held in 1946. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, and at its peak, there were as many as 3,000 floaters on the Sumida River, beautifully illuminated by the moonlight, floating down the river surface with prayers for peace. In the spring of 1966, the riverbanks were constructed to prevent high tides, and the floatation of lanterns had to be regrettably discontinued after 1965. Now, with the Sumida River waterfront terrace in place, the Asakusa Tourist Federation has been able to revive the float for the first time in 40 years with the cooperation of the authorities concerned, in order to make the waterside space of the Sumida River a new sightseeing spot in Asakusa and a place of relaxation and activity for tourists.
Date：August 12th (Sat) @ Sumida River, Azumabashi Waterfront Terrace
https://e-asakusa.jp/en/culture-experience/10028
Have You Benn To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JUNE 26, 2024Shirarahama Beach [Shirahama, Wakayama]
Shirarahama, with its 620-meter-long stretch of silky white sand and cobalt blue sea, is also called the Hawaii of Japan, and is just like a beach in another country. At Adventure World, a sightseeing spot near Nanki-Shirahama, visitors can see both land animals and sea creatures at the same time. There are also Shirahama hot springs, and some inns offer hot spring baths with a view of the beautiful sea.
Yakushima Island [Yakushima, Kagoshima]
Yakushima Island is registered as a World Heritage site. Trekking is a must-do experience in Yakushima. There are several trekking courses, but recommended trekking is in Yakusugi Land, where the average temperature is a cool 25°C in August. August is also the time when sea turtle hatchlings hatch, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see them heading out to sea.
Akiyoshido Cave [Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Yamaguchi]
Akiyoshid? Cave is a limestone cave located 100 meters underground in Akiyoshidai National Park in Mine City. Designated as a special natural monument, the cave is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, with a sightseeing course extending about 1km inside the cave. The temperature inside the cave is a constant 17°C throughout the year, making it a perfect sightseeing spot in August, in the middle of summer.
Yurigahama Beach [Yoron, Kagoshima]
Off the coast of Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, there is a fantastic beach, Yurigahama Beach, which appears only on limited occasions. The best time to see it is from spring to summer, and you can only see it for two hours. The special beach and the spectacular view surrounded by the beautiful ocean on all sides will be a memory you will never forget.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: FEBRUARY 26. 2016Living in the Hot Spring paradise by Cherry
It has only been one year since I first came to study in Beppu city, Oita prefecture but I already felt attached to this place as if it was my own hometown, Vietnam.
The pleasant surroundings are one of the reasons I like here. I had taken a hiking to a long beautiful coastline across the city, and a city night view from Beppu Wan has become my favorite spot. Also, the hospitality especially from the elderly has made a deep impression on me. I still remember when I had trouble using a bus, one fine grandmother came to help me. Using my crappy Japanese I thanked and had a talk with her. She is living with her husband, whose son works in Tokyo. Despite the hustle life, he always manages to come back to see them. Listening to the story reminded me of my parents back home. Before getting off the bus, I was gifted a bag of Kabosu, Oita prefecture’s famous citrus fruit. How can I forget such a kind-hearted woman?
Back to my life in Beppu, can you imagine living in a place having the world’s renowned hot springs? From upon the Kannawa district to downtown area, Beppu provides us with series of hot springs where we can soothe our body and soul after hard days’ work. What is more, by joining the ‘Hell Tour’, you can visit the hot springs with different colors and enjoy hot spring eggs. The Beppu Hot Spring Festival in April is the biggest festival where there are parades, fireworks and most hot springs are free of charge. I believe not only international tourists but Japanese people will definitely enjoy Beppu’s hot springs during vacation.
Having been living here for one year, I am satisfied that I made a right choice to study in this wonderful country. I am sure not only me but any other international student would feel the same. Dear Tokyoites, why not taking a chance and visiting Beppu, the hot spring paradise?
学業のため大分県、別府市にやって来てまだ１年だが、早くも私の生まれ故郷、ベトナムと同じぐらい大切な場所となった。
素晴しい自然に囲まれた環境は、私がここを好きな理由のひとつに挙げられる。別府市の長くのびる海岸線をハイキングしたし、別府湾を望む夜の景色は私の大好きな場所となった。それに加え年配の人達はとても暖かく私に深い感動をあたえてくれる。バスに乗車する際、困った時の出来事は忘れられない。親切なおばあさんが助けてくれた。へたくそな日本語でお礼を述べた後、話をした。彼女はご主人と別府に住んでおり、息子が東京で働いている。忙しい東京生活にもかかわらず、両親に度々会いに来てくれる。彼女の話を聞いているうちに故郷の両親を思い浮かべた。バスを降りると、かぼすの入った袋をくれた。大分県の名物であるフルーツだ。こんな心優しい人を忘れることはないだろう。
別府での私の生活に戻ろう。世界でも有数の温泉地での生活がどんなものか想像できる？鉄輪（かんなわ）からダウンタウンにかけてたくさんの温泉が湧き出ており、忙しい一日を送った身体と精神を安らかにしてくれる。さらに、『地獄めぐり』ではさまざまな色の温泉が観光でき、温泉卵を食べることができる。４月には別府温泉祭があり、パレードや花火大会が開催され、ほとんどの温泉に無料で入泉できる。外国人観光客のみならず日本人でも別府の温泉をきっと気に入るはずだ。
ここに来て１年だが、この美しい環境で勉学ができる事に大変満足している。私だけでなく他に大勢いる海外からの学生達も同じ気持ちでいるだろう。どうぞ東京に住んでいる方も、温泉天国である別府に観光にいらしてください。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 12. 2024Giant Dinosaurs 2024 Giant Dinosaurs 2024" is an international touring exhibition of a special exhibition held at the British Museum of Natural History in London, England. The Yokohama venue will be the first venue. The exhibition will unravel the history of the prosperity of dinosaurs, including theropods, the largest land animals in the history of the earth, and the evolution of gigantic creatures in an enjoyable way. |
Constantin BRANCUSI, Fish, |
Specimens of dinosaurs other than "theropods" such as Tsintaosaurus and other non-dinosaur creatures are also on display. Through specimens of huge creatures, including extinct animals such as mammoths and ichthyosaurs, the exhibition traces how creatures became huge and why they needed to become so large. This is an exhibition that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including not only "dinosaur lovers" but also those who wish to ponder the history of prehistoric creatures. Also on display is a "dinosaur robot" that recreates a Barosaurus. The realistic, life-size dinosaur is a must-see. |
Period: 7/13 (Sat) - 9/13 (Fri), 2024
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall A
Closed: Mondays
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 / - 19:00 on 8/10 (Sat) - 18 (Sun) (last admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: General ￥2,400 / High School and University ￥ 1,800 / Elementary School and Junior High School ￥1,200 / Ages 3 and Older ￥700 *Different prices depending on the day
For more information, please visit
Special Exhibition INSECT Welcome to the world of diversity that extends just a little further than "everyone knows". Maniacal perspectives from researchers, maniacal insect specimens selected by researchers, and maniacal in-depth exploration of familiar insects! It will also weave in the latest research to pursue the diversity of insects in a deeper and more interesting way. Now, let's open the door to diversity! |
* |
This special exhibition, "Special Exhibition INSECT" will mix the maniacal perspectives of researchers at the National Museum of Nature and Science, maniacal insect specimens from researchers' selections, and the latest insect research to explore the surprising and still unknown world of diversity of "insects," including not only familiar insects such as beetles and stag beetles but also spiders, centipedes, and other insects. The "MANIAC" researchers are also involved in the research of insects. |
Period: 7/13（Sat）− 10/14, 2024（Mon）
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Closed: 7/16, 9/2, 9, 17, 24 & 30
Hours: 9:00-17:00 / -19:00 on Saturdays & 8/11-15 (last admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults & university students ￥2,100 / Students of Elementary /Junior High / High school ￥600 *Advance booking recommended.
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 26. 2024Right Time to Shower
The discussion surrounding whether it's better to shower at night or in the morning has been ongoing for years. There are definitely pros and cons to each, and a lot of the time it comes down to personal preference. However, many people are just realising they may need to rethink their showering habits - as experts have confirmed the best time of day that you should be doing this. Leading mattress specialists have revealed that one of these showering habits can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria such as E.Coli - and it's a very popular choice as well. Showering at night ensures that you are clean when getting into bed. If you are waiting until the morning to shower, sweat builds up throughout the night, creating the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow. As if sleeping with 10 million dust mites wasn’t enough of a reason to change your shower habits, showering at night is also proven to improve sleep quality.
Getting Rid of Suncream Stains
If you have permanent sunscreen stains on a white shirt and nothing got the yellow stain out even after trying every ‘whitening’ stain remover you could find to no avail, try this. ‘Leave it out in the sun all day’ the stains will be gone! Huge blue ink stain on a white shirt? Then try this. 'Spray it with hair spray and then rinse it'. Will be all good. *Disclaimer: sometimes these trick may not work depending on products and shirt materials.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo10 minutes to Ikebukuro. Interhousesafe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo. Sakura House1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo. TOKYO ROOM FINDERContact our international team that will assist you in finding housing and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan! |
J&F PlazaFurnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo. May Flower HouseTokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more. TenTen Guesthouse33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students. GOOD ROOM TOKYOShare room, Private room, under 50,000yen |
MOVE JAPANPrivate furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last! Tokyomove.comHassle free moving starts from 6000yen. |
Tokyo Helping HandsVery flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more! |
AirNet TravelWe'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere. Fun TravelDiscount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn. |
No.1 TravelWe go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels. JR Tokai ToursTop-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen. |
Matsuda Legal OfficeAll kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc. |
Futaba Visa OfficeLicensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant. |
|
American PharmacyEnglish speaking pharmacy since 1950. |
Tokyo Skin ClinicEU-licensed multi lingual doctors. |
|
Tax-free AKKYJapanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs |
Tokyo Speed Dating1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC. Tokyo SpontaneousPicnic, Parties, Language exchange |
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TMAJapanese women & Western men. |
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50 Shades of Yikess
